Have you experienced looking all day for your cat, even reaching the neighboring streets, only to find them sleeping peacefully under your bed? Locating the whereabouts of your cats can be tricky, especially when you do it alone.
Thanks to the ingenuity of the best cat trackers available in the market as they make keeping tabs on your cats trouble-free.
at a glance: our top 5 picks for cat tracker
These are the Best Cat Trackers on the Market
- Whistle Go Explorer
- Findster Duo+ Pet Tracker
- Tractive GPS Cat Tracker
- PETBIZ GPS Pet Tracker
- Tabcat Tracker
- Girafus Pro Cat Tracker
- Eureka MarcoPolo Cat Tracker
- Cube Pro Key Finder Tracker
- Tile Mate
- Cat Tailer
- Pawscout Smarter Pet Tag
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”Mary Nielsen ♥” link=”” color=”#ff9900″ class=”” size=”15″]You love what you see? Purrfect! Rest assured that I put these products on the list specifically due to their genuine quality and not for other reasons. I would just like to be transparent with you and inform you that FelineLiving may obtain a share of sales or other monetary compensation from the links on this page. I hope your furry friends will love these reviewed products and that it will spark joy in each pair of feline eyes! [/perfectpullquote]
Our Pick – Whistle Go Explorer
The Whistle Go Explorer packs in a ton of features in an all-in-one package that will allow you to customize how you'd like to track your pet. You can choose to be notified by email, text, or a an application whenever your cat leaves a safe space and real time GPS tracking in Google Maps
The tracking device is waterproof (IPX 8) and has a battery life of 20+ days. It can even monitor your pet's licking, scratching and sleeping as well as get notifications for changes in behavior patterns.
Even though the subscription model will require an ongoing fee, we believe the benefits of the services provided are beneficial to both the pet owners and their pets.
Best GPS Cat Trackers on the Market
Global Positioning System or GPS cat tracker uses satellites to track the exact physical location of your cat. This system can also record your cat’s activities the entire day.
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Whistle Go Explorer
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Findster Duo + Pet Tracker
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Tractive GPS Cat Tracker
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PETBIZ GPS Pet Tracker
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Tabcat Tracker
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Girafus Pro Cat Tracker
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Eureka MarcoPolo Cat Tracker
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1. Whistle Go Explorer – The Ultimate Health + Location Tracker for Pets
This tracking technology can be easily attached to any cat collar as it comes with a hook and looks easy attachment design. Tagged themselves as the ultimate companion of your pet in adventures, this device sends real-time location details with escape alerts to help you find your cat.
Quick Facts:
- Color: a variety of colors available
- Weight: 27 grams
- With monthly subscription: Yes
- With a mobile app: Yes
Why we considered this as best:
- Dubbed as one of the best cat trackers available, this GPS pet tracker allows live tracking and provides the exact location of the cat's whereabouts.
- This waterproof device lessens your worries when the pet decides to take a dip in the nearby river.
- It has a 3-mode built-in night light that you could use as a guiding beacon to spot your cats at night.
- This cat GPS tracker has a 20hour long battery life.
- Getting an idea of how the cat's day was is easy through its 24-hour timeline on its mobile app.
- This device includes a feature that can set a cat's fitness goal and calories to burn.
- The app also has a food portion feature that personalizes the cat's food requirement depending on its breed, activities, age, and weight.
- It also has access to a veterinary through its TeleVet found on its app. This feature is available for only a limited time.
Why we had second thoughts:
- It needs a monthly subscription to track your cat continuously.
- A few reviewers find this cat GPS tracker big for their feline friends.
Other Cat Trackers to Consider
2. Findster Duo + Pet Tracker
Without paying a monthly subscription fee, you can easily get an update about the location of the cat through the Findster Duo + Pet Tracker. This GPS tracker uses Maze technology, which allows you to track your cat without the need to maintain any cellular plan.
Quick Facts:
- Color: available in two colors
- Weight: 22.6 grams
- With monthly subscription: No
- With mobile app: Yes
Why we considered this as best:
- Findster Duo cat tracker can also serve as Pet Activity Monitor, which provides real-time updates and live tracking about your pets.
- In urban areas, it can cover 0.5 mi radius, while in the open outdoors, it can cover 0.3 mi radius. This GPS tracking device covers a wide range making it easier to track your cat.
- The mobile app of the Findster Duo GPS tracker live tracking device has Interconnectivity that grants cat’s information sharing to other authorized people.
- Battery life can extend from 12 hours up to 3 days, depending on the usage.
- Since this GPS pet tracker does not require any connection to a network, this device works in any country, even when you are off-grid.
Why we had second thoughts:
- Small breed cats may not feel comfortable as the Findster Duo GPS pet tracker is a bit big.
3. Tractive GPS Cat Tracker
This lightweight, waterproof, and shockproof device is attached to the cat's collar that transmits the real-time location for your live tracking. The app features the Safe Dog alert, which provides a virtual fence, helpful when the cat gets beyond the safe zone.
Quick Facts:
- Color: black only
- Weight: 34 grams
- With monthly subscription: Yes
- With mobile app: Yes
Why we considered this as best:
- This best GPS cat tracking device provides real time location of the cat.
- It also has a geofencing feature that creates a safe zone for your pets, at home, or even outdoors.
- This lightweight and waterproof GPS tracker is recommended for pets that weigh above 9 lbs.
- You can use this GPS pet tracker in over 150 countries.
- It has no limit in range, unlike most Bluetooth GPS trackers.
- The battery of this GPS cat tracker can be recharged in 2 hours, and battery life could last for 2 to 5 days.
Why we had second thoughts:
- Owners need to pay for a monthly data plan fee for this GPS tracker.
4. PETBIZ GPS Pet Tracker
This cat tracker is a waterproof GPS tracking device that comes in 2 colors to pick from. Many feline owners love its sleek look and size that could be worn by most cat & dog breed, just attach it to the pet's collar.
Quick Facts:
- Color: Black / White
- Weight: 0.92 oz
- With monthly subscription: Yes
- With mobile app: Yes
Why we considered this as best:
- Unmatched battery life, averaging 30 days.
- This waterproof live tracking device suits the adventure and misadventure of pets.
- It is IPX7 waterproof, meaning it can be submerged up to 1 meter in water for 30 minutes.
- This best cat tracker has an easy to use app and easy to wear on the pet's collar.
- Tracking your cat is easy as this has a real time tracking feature that accurately displays the cat's location.
Why we had second thoughts:
- These GPS trackers are only compatible in the USA.
- Needs a monthly service fee from the company.
- Made by a Japanese company. Some owners find it hard to follow the instruction manual.
Best Radio Frequency Trackers for Cat
This kind of tracker is attached to the cat's collar and uses a radio transmitter that sends a signal to the base receiver. The strength of the signal the tag sends is used to reflect its distance and direction from the base.
5. Tabcat Tracker
This product claims that they deliver the most accurate tracking information of pets, giving you real peace of mind even while you are not in your home. It uses the advanced Radio Frequency based technology to easily find your cat even as close as 1 inch, tagging themselves as the ultimate pet locator.
Quick Facts:
- Color: Offered in several colors
- Weight: 5.9 grams
- With monthly subscription: No
- With mobile app: No
Why we considered this as best:
- It works indoors or outdoors that could help find pets through doors, cupboards, walls, and other possible hiding places inside the house.
- This cat tracker also features a dual directional technology system that uses audio and video cues that guides you towards your pets.
- The Loc8tor Tabcat can also train the cats to come home by activating the beep on the pet's tag, signaling them to go back home.
- It comes with a credit-card-size base handset, which could be inserted in your pocket.
- Using this does not need any monthly fees.
Why we had second thoughts:
- Some users did not like that this pet tracker can only cover 400 feet range.
6. Girafus Pro Cat Tracker
This model can track up to four pets, using its extensive coverage of a 500-meter range. It communicates a directional tracking guide that helps you reach your feline friends in the right direction.
Quick Facts:
- Color: Offered in several colors
- Weight: 7.9 grams
- With monthly subscription: No
- With mobile app: No
Why we considered this as best:
- It uses the Radio Frequency technology that can track the cat's location even if they are hiding under the storage room, garage, and any other possible hiding spots.
- This splash-resistant tracker for cats is suitable for the outdoors as well as indoors.
- It has a long battery life that lasts up to 1 month when turned into Smart Sleep Mode.
- This Radio Frequency tracker can monitor up to four pets.
- It can find your cat up to 1600 feet range. This will surely give peace of mind to many cat owners.
Why we had second thoughts:
- The base unit of this tracker device is a bit big and could not fit into regular pockets.
7. Eureka Cat Tracker
The Marco Polo Advanced Tracking System is suitable for pets in all sizes who enjoy the extremely rugged adventure. This tracking device is also ideal for owners who love to travel with their pets. Included in this pack is everything that you need for one cat and can be expanded to cater to three more pets.
Quick Facts:
- Color: one color only
- Weight: 22 grams
- With a monthly subscription: No
- With mobile app: No
Why we considered this as best:
- This tracker for pets is suitable for any size and breed of pet, and any other kinds of animals.
- Eureka technology requires no cellular technology access! You can bring your pets to the most remote areas and allow them to wander without being anxious if they get lost.
- This extremely rugged tracker can withstand rough roads and terrains. Pets can also swim for long-wearing this tracker.
- It has a long battery life that could last six weeks on a single charge.
- This tracking device allows you to save lots of money as it doesn’t need any monthly subscription fee.
- It is simple and easy to set-up.
Why we had second thoughts:
- Just like any product that uses RF technology, tracking your pets can be challenging when obstructed with objects such as walls, bush, and many others.
Best Bluetooth Cat Trackers in the Market
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Cube Pro Key Finder Tracker
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Tile Mate
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Cat Tailer
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Pawscout Smarter Pet Tag
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This kind of device uses Bluetooth technology or short-range wireless waves that send signals to your smartphones.
8. Cube Pro Key Finder Tracker
This sleek and stylish cat tracker uses Bluetooth to send signals about the whereabouts of its wearers. What is more exciting is it can also detect the location of your valuables, perfect for forgetful Joes and Janes.
Quick Facts:
- Color: One color only
- Weight: 15 grams
- With monthly subscription: No
- With mobile app: Yes
Why we considered this as best:
- This Bluetooth cat tracking device has a long battery life and needs to be changed once a year. It comes with an extra rechargeable battery.
- This tracker for cats has a live tracking feature that gives the map location of the pet.
- Aside from cats and other pets, this tracker can help you find your misplaced valuable items such as phone, keys, and many others.
- This tracking device for cats can find your lost items by ringing, vibrating, and flashing. It also alarms if you left something behind.
- This waterproof cat tracker comes with a replaceable battery.
- It has an easy to use mobile app, making it easier to bring your cat home.
- This does not need any monthly fees!
Why we had second thoughts:
- A user shares that this Bluetooth cat tracker keeps on disconnecting from his phone.
- The Bluetooth range of this device can only cover 200 feet range.
9. Tile Mate
Versatile. Easy. Everyday. This lightweight pet tracker is another Bluetooth tracker to consider. With its 200-feet range coverage, you can quickly ring it to find any misplaced items or pets attached to it.
Quick Facts:
- Color: One color only
- Weight: 7.5 grams
- With monthly subscription: No
- With mobile app: Yes
Why we considered this as best:
- This cat tracker is one of the cheapest available in the market.
- You can widen the coverage range to track your cat by connecting to the Time use network.
- This all-purpose pet tracker can easily trace any pets and valuables, whether they are indoors or outdoors.
- Owners need not maintain any monthly fees to make this tracking device work.
- Extremely lightweight! Perfect for small breed cats.
Why we had second thoughts:
- Users need to subscribe to the Tile Premium account to fully enjoy the security features of this cat tracker.
- This locator has a short tracking range of only 200 feet.
- This device drains mobile battery life faster than usual.
10. Cat Tailer
This tracking device for big and small cats is considered the lightest and smallest Bluetooth device in tracking your cats, other pets, and even misplaced items.
Quick Facts:
- Color: One color only
- Weight: 7.9 grams
- With monthly subscription: No
- With mobile app: Yes
Why we considered this as best:
- This is one of the best cat trackers as it is lightweight and small that it does not hamper the natural movement of the cat
- It has no monthly subscription fee to maintain.
- This collar cat tracker is fully waterproof that lets you have peace of mind if the pet decides to swim and play in the rain.
- The battery life lasts up to 6 months and can be easily replaced.
- This tracking device provides an approximate distance your cat is from you and transmits notification instantly.
Why we had second thoughts:
- This collar cat tracker can not provide the exact location of your furry animal, but rather just transmits its approximate distance.
- Its 328 feet coverage can slightly decrease when faced with sight conditions, such as cars, trees, houses, and many more.
11. Pawscout Smarter Pet Tag
Tracking cats and other pets are fun and exciting with the Pawscout Smarter Pet Tag. It allows cat lovers to create a community that is cat and pet-friendly.
Quick Facts:
- Color: One color only
- Weight: 5.6 grams
- With monthly subscription: No
- With mobile app: Yes
Why we considered this as best:
- Creating a social network that tolerates the creation of a pet-safe environment is what this device is all about. You can connect with your fellow pet lovers to expand your petwork.
- In the Pawscout app, it is easy to tag the pet as lost, and other Pawscouters are prompted to provide help in finding the pet.
- This virtual leash provides a 300meter safe zone for your pets.
- This collar tracker comes with an extra battery.
- The app also has an activity history of the cat, allowing you to get a glimpse of the overall health of your furry animal.
- Connecting to cellular technology is not needed when the cat gets lost.
- Pawscout also customizes nameplates that could be seamlessly attached to the cat trackers.
Why we had second thoughts:
- This collar tracker is designed to work over short distances only.
- This tracking device does not provide the exact location of the cat. It only sends an alert that the cat is within the cone of safety.
After thoroughly explaining the best cat trackers available in the market, we hope you now realized the convenience of owning one. The problem now is, which tracker to pick? We have summarized several important information you might need to know about these products.
What are cat trackers?
These are devices attached to the collar of a cat that transmits signals to track your cat. These devices determine information about its location, time, or even direction. These helpful machines were engineered to be useful in keeping tabs on our feline friends who love to sneak around, especially at night.
Several brands have come up with their versions of cat trackers with different features to consider to give peace of mind to many pet parents. Our team has evaluated several collar cat trackers and considered their weight, durability, battery life, ease of use, and many extra features that will suit a wide range of needs.
Different Types of Cat Trackers
Let's take a look at the different types of cat trackers. We have summarized the pros and cons of each for you to find the one that best suits you.
GPS Cat Trackers
Highlights:
- Cat GPS tracker gives the most precise visual map about the cat's location and could transmit signals directly to the phone.
- GPS tracker also monitors the activities of the cat, thus giving insights about its overall health. Some GPS trackers provide a complete history of what and where the cat has been all day.
Challenges:
- GPS tracker can be unreliable when used indoors as it blocks the transmission of a signal on the satellite. Sometimes, it is also undependable outdoors when there are large bushes, heavy clouds, and thick tree branches that cover the GPS cat tracker.
- GPS tracking can be pricey, and some may require a monthly data plan subscriptions.
- Some small breed cats may find GPS tracker uncomfortable to use.
Bluetooth Cat Tracker
Highlights:
- This technology consumes less power than conventional GPS.
- These trackers are mostly lightweight suitable to be clipped on any pet's collar.
- Most Bluetooth trackers are inexpensive.
- These cat trackers have a better battery life that lasts up to months.
- This kind of tracking device not only monitors the cat's location but also tracks their daily activities.
Challenge:
- Unlike the GPS trackers found in the market, one of the most common downsides of using Bluetooth is its limited range, which is usually a maximum of 200 feet. Some consider Bluetooth as the weakest option among the available tracking devices in the market.
Radio Frequency Cat Tracker
Highlights:
- Most RF tracking devices have a beeping sound, which signifies that the transmitter is just within the range.
- This technology can work both indoors and outdoors and works seamlessly through even when covered with walls.
Challenges:
- If the cat is missing, the Radio Frequency trackers won't give its visual location, unlike the GPS trackers.
- Most of the time, RF cannot locate the pet if they are more than 1,600 feet away.
- This technology consumes battery a tad bit faster than the other technologies.
Although cat trackers are heaven-sent for numerous cat owners in monitoring the activities and location of their feline friends, some still are in doubt whether these best cat trackers are really necessary. To help you decide, we have listed below the reasons why buy or not buy cat trackers.
Why Should You Buy Cat Trackers?
Maybe understanding the endless benefits of owning a collar cat tracker will help to finally drag your feet to the nearest store or click on the internet to purchase a suitable tracking device for your furry friend. We have rounded up below a few of the significant benefits of owning pet trackers.
- Isn't it pleasant to go out of the house, leaving your cat behind with a tracker attached to their collar? Cat trackers are valuable tools that give peace of mind knowing that you'll be kept on track about the whereabouts of your cat. Bugging the neighbor or somebody else to check or find your cat while you are miles away if far from happening. Most trackers have a mobile app that delivers real time updates about the cat's activities.
- This tracking device for your cat traces the location of your feline friends when they go missing and pinpoint its exact location. This is a helpful device, especially for cats who love to sneak out. There is a high ratio of missing cats in the United States, and that itself could cause alarm to cat owners. Owning a tracker could quickly reunite the owners to their cat easily.
- The GPS Tracker logs the activities of the cat, thus giving you an idea about their overall health condition. Most cats love roaming around, and by checking the logs of the tracker, you will get an idea about its activities and fitness while everybody else is at work or asleep.
Why should you not buy cat trackers?
Despite its overall benefits, some may think owning cat trackers is not a good idea. Here are some of the reasons people have shared why they felt so:
- For some, one of these best cat trackers is just another addition to their expenses. Some owners find it uneconomical and impractical in owning a tracker.
- Most GPS cat trackers need to update the details after a certain period. Some owners tend to forget to do this, thus failure to reunite with their lost cats.
- Sometimes, cat trackers can be physically separated from the collar of the cat. This makes it hard to be reunited with their owners when they get lost. That event is why some would prefer implanting microchip to their cats as it has no way to be removed or physically detached unless done under the surgical procedure.
What I Think About Getting a Cat Tracker
After learning about the pros and cons of the best cat trackers available in the market, I am convinced that owning this device is a smart and practical move for any feline parent. This will surely keep our minds at peace for the whereabouts of our cats while enjoying all its other extra features.
No matter which technology you pick, GPS, Radio Frequency, or Bluetooth, the most important is to pick the best one that will suit your needs while with utmost consideration about your cat's well-being.
Which Tracker is Right for You?
After meticulously checking each top-rated cat tracker available in the market, we will now help you to decide how to choose the perfect tracker for you finally.
In reality, there are no perfect pet trackers. What you need to give significant consideration is your cat's daily, routine, and natural activities. We have listed below the general factors you must ponder on before purchasing your first or additional cat tracker.
Size of your cat. Small breeds of cats with narrow necks need a small size of tracker, as big trackers will surely hamper their daily and natural activities. Any device attached to the cat that is 1.5 inches in diameter will interfere with the cat's daily activities. That is why you should consider first the size of your cat.
Activities of your cat. Does your cat love to roam far away from your house or prefer staying indoors or just lounging within your yard? These activities must be considered as Bluetooth, and RF technologies maybe a little bit reliable as they cover a smaller range. GPS trackers are the better choice as it provides more extensive coverage with a location map for your cat's exact position.
Price. Checking the price is essential. You should pick the tracker that is within your budget range. Also included in the price is the monthly subscription fee. Some trackers need monthly fees for a data plan for them to effectively track and monitor your pets. This may cost a lot, so you have to consider the monthly charges.
Cellular Coverage. The mobile coverage of your area must be considered. If your zone may be spotty and cellular technology is erratic, it is wise to choose Radio Frequency or any tracker that is not dependent on any cellular network.
What features you must look for?
Whew, we are almost done giving you thorough tips and lessons about the technology that is useful in tracking your cat's location. To further help you in deciding which is the best cat tracker for you and your feline friend, we will give you several features found in several tracking devices for pets.
Battery Life. In choosing your collar tracker for cats and other pets, look for a brand of item that offers better and longer battery life. Battery life greatly depends on the usage of cellular data, GPS, and phone signals.
Some batteries last longer, making your tracking more efficient. Also, a few brands offer extra battery along with the package, which you can use when it is drained or in a low battery state.
Endurance. This feature goes hand in hand with the activity of your cat. You must consider the daily grind of your cat. If your cat loves the extreme adventure, you must choose a collar cat tracker that is designed with more robust materials that suit the wear and tear.
If you picked a tracker that is not robust enough to withstand the activities of pets, this device would end up as another decorative piece found around your cat's neck.
Technology. The tracking technology used in trackers is GPS, Bluetooth, and Radio Frequency. Some devices use these in combination to further maximize the tracking capacity of your device. Some tools have GPS that uses the satellite to transmit information combined with the cellular network that sends signals to your smartphones.
Maintenance. Check the specifications of the cat tracker. Some may need to change the battery over some time. Some cat tracker, also, needs to be cleaned and dried after it gets wet. This factor is crucial for buyers who prefer less or no maintenance trackers.
Activity Monitoring. Aside from pinpointing the location of your cat, some devices have other activity monitoring, such as hours of sleep, and their usual activity habit that gives an overall impression of your cat's health.
Aesthetics. Although this is the last thing you must consider, this is still important. You must take into consideration how the collar cat tracker will look on your cat as it is every cat lover's dream to let their furry cat roam around the streets in style.
Extra Features. To make each collar cat tracker brand stand out, most of them add additional features. Some of the most popular are Geofencing, Live Update, Smartphone compatibility, Location History, Pet Training, and Food Portion.